Skipper Will Harris (left) and co-skippers Francesca Clapcich (center) and Julien Villion (right) are part of the Team Malizia crew for the Course des Caps 2025

Will Harris will skipper the Malizia crew during the Course des Caps 2025

The Course des Caps 2025 route

Co-skipper Cole Brauer (left) and skipper Will Harris onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Malizia - Seaexplorer

The Course des Caps promises to be an intense race around the British Isles

On Sunday 29 June, Team Malizia set sail for the season’s first race aboard Malizia - Seaexplorer. The Course des Caps is a brand-new IMOCA event, a 2,000-mile crewed challenge circumnavigating the British Isles, starting and finishing in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Will Harris skippers the Malizia crew in his home waters, facing off against 10 rival teams. With the boat refitted and a challenging race course, this event promises to be an ideal kickoff to Team Malizia’s crewed racing season.

Will Harris onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Racing on Home Waters: British Skipper Will Harris Leads Team Malizia Crew Into The Course des Caps

2100 children from across Germany joined in person and virtually

Ocean educator Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann

Executive director at UNICEF, Christian Schneider

Children taking part in the collaborative artwork in front of the Deichtorhallen

Artwork from above

More than 2100 children across Germany joined a live, interactive climate education event today, hosted by Team Malizia’s My Ocean Challenge, UNICEF Germany and the Deichtorhallen Hamburg. The hybrid event combined science, sailing, and art to explore the vital connection between climate change, Ocean health and children’s rights, and to inspire hope for a better, more sustainable future. Key speakers included offshore sailor Boris Herrmann, Ocean educator Birte Lorenzen-Herrmann, youth activist Sophia Ivanova and UNICEF Germany's executive director Christian Schneider as well as support from artist Lola Bott. 

Team Malizia, UNICEF, and Deichtorhallen Inspire Hope with Children at the Helm

From London’s Reservoirs to Racing the World’s Oceans, meet Will Harris, 31-year-old British sailor and one of Team Malizia’s key skippers. Raised near London, Will didn’t grow up by the sea but discovered his passion for sailing early on, learning on small dinghies at local reservoirs. His parents introduced him to the sport, and he quickly caught the racing bug through the British Sailing Team, competing across Europe and beyond.

Get To Know (more): Will Harris

Malizia Explorer arrived in Monaco earlier today where she was christened by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II of Monaco

Malizia Explorer received a 4-star certification from the SEA Index®

Dr Sylvia Earle cutting the ribbon to christen the boat with a champagne bottle

Boris Herrmann, Pierre Casiraghi, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Prof Dr Antje Boetius, Prof Dr Katja Matthes, Peter Eckhardt from Laeisz, and the crew of Malizia Explorer

World-renowned oceanographer, explorer, and Ocean ambassador Dr Sylvia Earle christened Malizia Explorer

Malizia Explorer in front of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Team Malizia proudly announces the christening of its sailing research vessel, Malizia Explorer, in a ceremony held this afternoon at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM). Pierre Casiraghi and Boris Herrmann were joined by the ship's godmother, Dr Sylvia Earle who christened the vessel with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. This event marks a significant milestone in the team's ongoing mission to advance Ocean science and climate action. 

Malizia - Explorer was christened earlier today by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II of Monaco

Malizia Explorer Christened in Monaco by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II

Boris Herrmann’s Research Vessel Malizia Explorer Christened in Monaco by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II

Onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Team Malizia is pleased to announce its new main partner: KPMG in Germany has entered a strategic partnership with the internationally renowned sailing team, Team Malizia and its skipper Boris Herrmann. Alongside his sporting achievements, Boris Herrmann is committed to promoting the protection of the world's oceans and climate through education and technological solutions. 

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Setting sail for climate protection: Team Malizia is pleased to announce its new main partner. KPMG in Germany has entered a strategic partnership with the internationally renowned sailing team, Team Malizia and its skipper Boris Herrmann. Alongside his sporting achievements, Boris Herrmann is committed to promoting the protection of the world's oceans and climate through education and technological solutions. 

KPMG Enters Strategic Partnership With Boris Herrmann And Team Malizia

KPMG Enters Strategic Partnership With Boris Herrmann And Team Malizia: Setting Sail For Climate Protection

Boris Herrmann (GER), Team Malizia's skipper for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

We’re kicking off 10 days of ocean action in Nice and Monaco! 🌊 Team Malizia is on a mission to protect our ocean, and this week we’re turning up the volume. With Malizia Explorer freshly arrived in Nice, we’re gearing up for a packed schedule of events, conferences, and moments that matter. From the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), plus the official christening of our sailing research vessel in Monaco and Boris being named an Ocean Ambassador, it’s a milestone week for our A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now mission. Discover what’s ahead and why this week is one of the highlights of our year.

Team Malizia Heads to UNOC — 10 Days for the Ocean!

From Lake Geneva to the world’s toughest oceans, Swiss sailor Justine Mettraux has built an impressive career in offshore racing. With standout performances in the Mini Transat, Volvo Ocean Race, and most recently the Vendée Globe, where she finished 8th as the first woman, Justine has become one of the most respected names in the sport. This summer, she joins Team Malizia for The Ocean Race Europe — bringing her talent, experience, and unstoppable spirit to the crew. Discover her story, challenges, and what’s next for this inspiring sailor.

Get To Know: Justine Mettraux

Cole Brauer, the first American woman to sail solo non-stop around the world, is joining Team Malizia as co-skipper! After making history in the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge and earning the title of Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year 2024, Cole is now setting sail for a new adventure alongside Boris Herrmann and Will Harris. Discover her story, her biggest challenge as a sailor, and what makes her a true inspiration for women in offshore racing.

We’re super excited to welcome Cole Brauer to Team Malizia as co-skipper starting this season 2025. Cole made history last year as the first American woman to sail solo non-stop around the world during the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge. She crossed the finish line in an incredible 2nd place, inspiring hundreds of thousands of people along the way. Her achievement earned her the title of Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year 2024 and rightly so!

Get To Know: Cole Brauer

Francesca Clapcich and Will Harris

Will Harris

Francesca Clapcich onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Francesca Clapcich has announced Will Harris as her co-skipper for the TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR, a double-handed race across the Atlantic. Formerly known as the Transat Jacques Vabre, this will be Will’s third participation and Francesca’s first aboard her newly acquired IMOCA. The race sets off in October, after the two will have sailed together as part of Team Malizia’s crew in The Ocean Race Europe this summer.

Francesca Clapcich and Will Harris onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer

Will Harris Announced As Francesca Clapcich’s Co-skipper For The TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR

Will Harris Announced As Francesca Clapcich’s Co-skipper For The Transat Café L’Or 2025

Thomas Ruyant (TR Racing), Boris Herrmann (Team Malizia), and Loïs Berrehar (Team Banque Populaire)

Thomas Ruyant, Boris Herrmann and Loïs Berrehar at CDK sitting on the hull of one of their future IMOCA boats

Thomas Ruyant, Loïs Berrehar, and Boris Herrmann

Thomas Ruyant, Loïs Berrehar, and Boris Herrmann shortly before the press conference announcing the new boat earlier today

Boris Herrmann’s Team Malizia announces the build of a new IMOCA racing yacht and with it, an unprecedented collaboration. For the first time in recent IMOCA class history, three teams, Team Malizia, TR Racing (Thomas Ruyant), and Team Banque Populaire (Loïs Berrehar), have joined forces to co-design and build three new IMOCA yachts. Harnessing their collective experience and ambition, the teams are working alongside naval architect Antoine Koch, design office Finot-Conq and Gsea Design. The yachts will be built by the CDK shipyard, and while they share a common design, each team will make subtle modifications to tailor their IMOCA to each skipper’s philosophy of offshore racing. Team Malizia’s IMOCA will be launched in June 2026.

A New IMOCA for Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia: Co-Designed, Innovative, And Triple-Powered

A New IMOCA for Boris Herrmann’s Team Malizia: Co-Designed, Innovative, And Triple-Powered

Francesca Clapcich sailing on the family boat in Italy

Meet Francesca Clapcich — Italian-American offshore sailor, Olympian, and history-maker as the first Italian to win The Ocean Race. Discover how she turned a childhood spent on a tiny boat called Mezza Mela into a record-breaking career. Now joining Team Malizia for the 2025 season, Francesca is set to sail our Malizia - SeaExplorer before launching her own Vendée Globe campaign. A passionate advocate for diversity, sustainability, and ocean protection, she’s a force reshaping the world of offshore racing.

We’re super happy to welcome Francesca Clapcich into the Malizia family! An Italian-American sailor with a truly impressive track record, Francesca is one of those people who seem to live and breathe offshore racing.

Get To Know: Francesca Clapcich

Will Harris (ENG), Team Malizia's co-skipper and skipper when Boris Herrmann is not onboard for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Cole Brauer (USA), Team Malizia's co-skipper for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Francesca Clapcich (ITA/USA), Team Malizia's co-skipper for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Justine Mettraux (SUI), Team Malizia's co-skipper for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Loïs Berrehar (FRA), Team Malizia's co-skipper for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Flore Hartout (FRA/NED), Team Malizia's onboard reporter for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Antoine Auriol (FRA/GER), Team Malizia's onboard reporter for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Julien Villion (FRA), also joins Team Malizia to support the preparations for race on land while also sailing onboard Malizia - Seaexplorer on other occasions this year

Malizia - Seaexplorer is ready to race in The Ocean Race Europe 2025 this summer

Team Malizia returns to Kiel, Germany, after a successful Fly-By in The Ocean Race in 2023

The Ocean Race Europe 2025 route

Team Malizia announces their full line-up for the upcoming Ocean Race Europe 2025. Building on their successful round-the-world experience in 2023, the team led by German skipper Boris Herrmann has gathered a talented group of sailors and onboard reporters to take on the short-format, crewed race starting in Kiel this summer.

Team Malizia's crew for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Team Malizia Unveils Full Crew For The Ocean Race Europe 2025

Malizia - Seaexplorer comes out of the shed after her post-Vendée Globe refit and with exciting new upgrades

Malizia - Seaexplorer's new hybrid propulsion system

Putting the V3 foils back into Malizia - Seaexplorer for the 2025 season

New ropes from technical partner Gleistein

Malizia - Seaexplorer was relaunched on 6 May 2025 with exciting new technical upgrades

Boris Herrmann’s Team Malizia is kicking-off their 2025 crewed racing season with the relaunch of their Malizia - Seaexplorer earlier this week and exciting upgrades. The racing yacht now features a groundbreaking hybrid-electric propulsion system, marking a significant step towards more sustainable offshore racing. New technical partners Molabo and Fischer Panda join the team to support this innovation, driving performance while reducing environmental impact.

Malizia - Seaexplorer is back in the water and ready for the 2025 crewed racing season

Malizia - Seaexplorer Relaunched With Hybrid-Electric Power Ahead Of New Racing Season

Team Malizia Relaunch Their IMOCA Yacht With Hybrid-Electric Power Ahead Of New Racing Season

Boris Herrmann onboard the new Malizia Explorer sailing research vessel ©️ Antoine Auriol | Team Malizia

Malizia Explorer

The Malizia Explorer announcement was made by Boris Herrmann (fifth from the left) at the German Ocean Conference on 6 May 2025

Malizia Explorer was launched in April in Lorient, France

Malizia Explorer will carry out scientific mission globally

Boris Herrmann’s Team Malizia is upscaling their climate research efforts with a new sailboat, Malizia Explorer, dedicated to science, communication and outreach. This new project builds on the team’s core mission: while continuing to race and collect scientific data with Malizia - Seaexplorer, the team will expand their efforts with Malizia Explorer to carry out dedicated research expeditions. Building on the success of their A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! mission, the team is calling for collaborators, scientific projects, and partners to support this bold initiative. Already on board as a key partner is Reederei F. Laeisz, along with renowned scientific institutions AWI, GEOMAR, Hereon, and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.

Our Team Malizia is upscaling its climate research efforts with a new sailboat, Malizia Explorer, dedicated to science, communication and outreach. This new project builds on the team’s core mission: while continuing to race and collect scientific data with Malizia - Seaexplorer, we will expand our efforts with Malizia Explorer to carry out dedicated research expeditions. Building on the success of our A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! mission, we are calling for collaborators, scientific projects, and partners to support this bold initiative. Already on board as a key partner is Reederei F. Laeisz, along with renowned scientific institutions AWI, GEOMAR, Hereon, and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.

Team Malizia Sets Sail On A New Mission With Malizia Explorer Research Vessel

Team Malizia Sets Sail On A New Mission With Their Malizia Explorer Research Vessel

The trainees dig deep into the world of offshore sailing

Last week, Team Malizia welcomed eight young talents from our partner SCHÜTZ to Lorient La Base for an intensive seven-day programme, officially launching our new Lighthouse Project. Organised by our team member Cornelius, the trainees discovered the world of offshore racing, technical boat work, Ocean education, and life behind the scenes as our team prepares for the 2025 sailing season and The Ocean Race Europe.

Teaching, Learning & Sailing: A Recap of Our First Lighthouse Project Session with SCHÜTZ

Boris Herrmann

Team Malizia’s skipper Boris Herrmann and the German fashion brand OLYMP have now launched their third collection made of 100% more sustainable materials. Called “Uncover”, this new collection consisting of seven pieces focuses on a traceable supply chain. In addition to using organic cotton, it offers a glimpse behind-the-scenes and marks another step in their ongoing effort to make clothing that is both responsible and diverse.

Boris Herrmann and OLYMP Bare All With Third Capsule Collection “Uncover”

We’re kicking off a brand new season with the launch of VlogBook, our refreshed vlog series that takes you right into the heart of Team Malizia’s world. Through this series, we’ll share the technical challenges, sailing preparations, training sessions, kids events, and science projects that shape our daily life.

Discover VlogBook Episode One: The Tech’ Takeover

Malizia Seaexplorer in the shed during the refit

Team Malizia is gearing up for an exciting 2025 offshore racing season as our Malizia - Seaexplorer undergoes her winter refit. With new races on the horizon and fresh challenges ahead, the team is hard at work behind the scenes preparing for another action-packed year on the water. From the high-profile Ocean Race Europe to our ongoing mission of ocean advocacy, we’re inviting you to join us for another thrilling season of crewed IMOCA sailing and environmental engagement.

2025 Team Malizia Racing Calendar 

Since 2018, Team Malizia combines offshore racing with a bold mission: using the adventure of our sport to drive climate action, gather vital Ocean data during some of the world’s toughest races, and educate children globally. Building on this commitment, the Malizia Explorer research vessel was launched in April 2025 to operate at the intersection of science, communication, and outreach.

The research vessel Malizia Explorer and the racing yacht Malizia - Seaexplorer

About Malizia Explorer

Jetzt bewerben! Planet Hero Award 2025

Zusammen mit unserem Partner Zurich Gruppe Deutschland suchen wir die Planet Heroes 2025. Seit 2021 unterstützt der Planet Hero Award jährlich die besten und wirkungsstärksten Projekte und Initiativen zur Verbesserung des Umwelt- und Klimaschutzes.

Bewerbt euch für den Planet Hero Award 2025!

Listening, learning and sharing - this evening was an evening full of inspiring conversations and hope. 

On the 29th of March 2025, honorary Alster Lockkeepers Luisa Neubauer and Boris Herrmann invited the Alster Lockkeepers committee, former Alster Lockkeepers, friends, family and famous faces from within the climate movement for a special boat ride down the Elbe to Entenwerder, where they spent a mild early summer evening exchanging inspiring conversations under the motto of a Climate Get Together.

Climate Get Together on the Elbe With Luisa Neubauer and  Boris Herrmann 

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My Ocean Challenge event in Monaco, in front of the Yacht Club de Monaco

YACHT CLUB DE MONACO

EFG International

Boris as the patron of the Planet Hero Award 2022

Zurich Group Germany

Kuehne+Nagel

MSC 

Hapag Lloyd 175 year anniversary

Hapag Lloyd

SCHÜTZ

KPMG Germany

My Ocean Challenge Event at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco with Boris Herrmann, Pierre Casiraghi & Léa Olivier.

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation